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After a positive start to this year’s harvest in late July, heavy and frequent showers during August have limited opportunities to cut.
However, reports suggest that the bulk of winter barley has now been harvested, with grain coming off the combines around 15% moisture. This has reduced drying costs significantly and partly helped offset lower grain prices this year.
Yield reports are typically around the 3.2t/ac to 3.5t/ac, depending on variety. Prices for barley at 15% moisture range from £142/t to £145/t, with dried barley selling above £150/t.
Progress has been much slower harvesting winter oilseed rape. Reports indicate yields are over 2t/ac, although there has been no confirmation on market price as of yet. Weather forecasts point to improving conditions next week. While this should help get harvesting back on track, several farmers report severe lodging in winter wheat, which will also slow progress and ultimately reduce yields.
Straw
Demand for straw is relatively weak and broken weather has delayed baling. With low demand for straw which has been already saved, a number of farmers are planning on chopping oat and wheat straw, unless there is a significant upturn in the market.
Price reports on 4x4 round bales of barley straw are typically £13 to £16 before haulage costs, which can add anywhere from £2 to £4/bale, depending on the distance transported. Square 8x3x3 bales are trading at the lower end of the £20 to £25 before haulage.
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